Jewish History Uncensored

As is well documented, Spinoza was of Marrano, crypto Jewish background. In this episode we look at the Historical Background of the Marranos.  How did this occur? We also discuss the tragic dilemma of the what to do with one’s children when in a shmad situation. What events in general Spanish History contributed to the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492? How is it that the crypto Jew issue primarily was expressed in the 1600s?    We also discuss the question of was Christopher Columbus Jewish? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. We are currently learning YIRMIYAHU. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at jewishhistoryuncensored@gmail.com PRODUCED BY:

In this episode we look at the famed question: why study History? We also look at why most people find the study of History so challenging. We also examine the basic differences between History and Jewish History, and how this changes the reason to study History.  We also look at one of the classic examples of how Torah connects with Jewish History. Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. We are currently learning KOHELES. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at jewishhistoryuncensored@gmail.com (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at the important issue of how to evaluate evidence. When should one accept a historical claim as true? We examine the topic by looking at the celebration of the Besht’s birthday on 18th of Elul. When did people start celebrating birthdays? Is there a difference between birthdays and Yahrzeits? We also look at the issue of machlokes, the disagreements in Shas etc. How do we understand this phenomenon? Does it have any effect on Torah?  Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. We are currently learning KOHELES. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at jewishhistoryuncensored@gmail.com (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

 0:30 Is there a difference in the issues of Emuna and Bitachon between Chassidus and Hisnagdus?  6:04 What is the difference between how Chassidus and Hisnagdus views optimum fulfillment of mitzvos? 16:10 How does this apply to saying Shema? 21:03 Does the machlokes between Chassidus and Hisnagdus parallel what is the prime focus of Judaism, intellect or emotions? 27:07 Is the concept of Chassidus limited to the Baal Shem Tov? Did the Baal Shem Tov invent the idea of Chassidus?  33:27 When did real Hisnagdus start? Who were the instigators? 44:06 Was the machlokes primarily of Halacha of Hashkafa? 46:12 Was there different type of opposition to the Baal Tanya than any other types of Chassidus? 48:20 What would the Besht say about contemporary Chassidus?  55:18 How much of Nefesh Ha-Chaim is Hisnagdus? 56:02 What does it mean that Noam Elimelech is for Tzadikim, Tanya for Banonim, and Likutai Maran is for Reshaim? 1:02:01 How should we understand statements that seem to accuse Chassidus or Hisnagdus of heresy? When can we integrate these ideas into our lives? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. We are currently learning KOHELES. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at jewishhistoryuncensored@gmail.com (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at some of the lessons we can learn from the Corona crisis of the last year and a half. We examine one of the most important Tanachic rules for understanding major events, ‘in the end of days you will be able to properly understand it’. We also examine the challenge governments have been facing in making proper rules for these times. What can we learn from this challenge about our times? What does this crisis show us about Chazal and Rabbinical commands? Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. We are currently learning Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at jewishhistoryuncensored@gmail.com (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we look at some of the practical differences between Chassidim and Misnagdim. How does affect the relationship between Torah and Tefila? What differences are there in a practical in this issue between Chassidim and Misnagdim? What attitude do we have to the occasions when one does a mitzva without proper intentions. Is this situation basically problematic or is it basically fine?  Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. We are currently learning Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at jewishhistoryuncensored@gmail.com (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we take a deeper look at the Ari’s approach to Haalas Nitzotzim. We also examine the difference between the Ari’s application of Haalas Nitzotzim and the Besht’s application of Haalas Nitzotzim. Why did the Vilna Gaon argue with the Besht and not with the Ari? How much of the Vilna Gaon’s argument with the Besht is in the theoretical realm and how much is about practical applications?  Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. We are currently learning Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at jewishhistoryuncensored@gmail.com (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

Episode 52 - Tzimtzum - The Vilna Gaon’s approach   In this episode we carefully look at the Vilna Gaon’s understanding of Tzimtzum. Does the Vilna Gaon in fact directly argue with those who hold Tzimtzum should not be understood literally? How does the Vilna Gaon understand the spiritual structure that gives our world the ability to exist? What exactly is he arguing with Chassidus about in this issue? We also look at R' Dessler’s comment on this controversial issue.  Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. We are currently learning Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at jewishhistoryuncensored@gmail.com (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we take a more in-depth look at Tzimtzum. We also see what stand Chassidus takes in the machlokes between R' Emanuel Chai Ricco and R' Yosef Irgus about the issue.  We exploret the connection between how Chassidus understands Tzimtzum and the issue of Hoshgocha Pratis. We also take a practical look at how different contemporary groups implement the Besht’s ideas.  Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. We are currently learning Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at jewishhistoryuncensored@gmail.com (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)

In this episode we start looking at what the Gaon meant when he accused the Chassidim of infringing on, ‘Kibud Av’. We also look at the basic issues surrounding the topic of Tzimtzum. We examine the basic concepts of Tzimtzum.  We look at the machlokes between R' Emanuel Chai Ricco and R' Yosef Irgun if should we understand this issue in a literal way.  Nach Yomi: Join R' Wittenstein’s Nach Yomi on WhatsApp. We learn a perek a day five days a week, with a nine minute shiur covering the key issues. We are currently learning Yirmiyahu. Click here to join!  For tours, speaking engagements, or sponsorships contact us at jewishhistoryuncensored@gmail.com (CedarMediaStudios Podcasting 2021)